Skyhawk Summitt Award at UT Martin
Coach Pat Head Summitt is arguably the most famous alumna from the University of Tennessee at Martin (’74). She is also one of the most iconic and influential figures in the history of sports and education. Her reputation and success were built on characteristics such as purpose-driven leadership, integrity, resilience, discipline, dedication to excellence, mentorship, character, and accountability.
The Skyhawk Summitt Award honors UT Martin students, faculty, and staff who embody the leadership, resilience, integrity, discipline, and commitment to service that defined Coach Summitt's life and legacy. Named in honor of one of the university's most distinguished alumna, the award recognizes individuals who inspire others, pursue excellence, and leave a lasting impact on the university community.
Qualities of a Skyhawk Summitt Award Recipient
This honor is reserved for individuals whose leadership reflects not only talent, but also character, and who, like Coach Summitt, leave an enduring impact on those they lead.
Recipients of the Skyhawk Summitt Award should demonstrate the following qualities:
- Lead with courage, purpose, integrity, and compassion, inspiring those around them through actions, not just words.
- Demonstrate unshakable resilience and discipline, overcoming adversity with focus and grace.
- Commit to high standards of excellence in academics, leadership, and service.
- Invest in the growth and success of others, serving as mentors, advocates, and role models.
- Embody strength of character and accountability in every aspect of life.
- Believe in service to team before self and uplift their communities through commitment and consistency.
Award Eligibility & Selection Requirements
The committee may recognize the following recipients each year:
- One faculty recipient
- Two staff recipients (one exempt and one non-exempt employee)
- Three student recipients
Student Eligibility
In addition to demonstrating the characteristics of the award, eligible students must:
- Have earned at least 30 credit hours.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Be in good standing with UT Martin.
Faculty Eligibility
In addition to demonstrating the characteristics of the award, eligible faculty members must:
- Be employed as full-time instructors.
- Not hold adjunct status.
- Have been employed by UT Martin for at least 12 months.
- Be in good standing with the university.
Staff Eligibility
In addition to demonstrating the characteristics of the award, eligible staff members must:
- Be employed full time.
- Have been employed by UT Martin for at least 12 months.
- Be in good standing with the university.
Important Dates and Deadlines
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Nomination Period Opens
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Nominee Application Period
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Selection Process Begins
A committee composed of faculty, staff, and students will meet to select award recipients.
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Award Recipients Announced
Award recipients will be announced during I Heart UTM Week.
How to Nominate Someone
Nominations may be submitted by individuals, teams, or groups. Self-nominations will not be accepted.
Before beginning the nomination process, we encourage nominators to gather the information they will need to complete the form.
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Collect basic information about the nominee.
- Name
- Department, office, or major
- UT Martin email address
- Position or classification
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Reflect on the nominee's accomplishments and impact.
Consider how the nominee demonstrates leadership, integrity, resilience, service, mentorship, excellence, character, and accountability.
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Prepare a concise letter of support.
Letters should include specific examples of the Skyhawk Summitt Award qualities. Nominators may upload a document or enter their statement directly into the nomination form.
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Complete the nomination form.
Submit your nomination using our online form. Questions regarding nominations may be directed to skyhawksummitt@utm.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “good standing” mean?
For faculty and staff members, good standing means active employment free of disciplinary action.
For students, good standing means remaining free from academic probation and disciplinary sanctions.
Do nominees need to be affiliated with athletics?
No. Individuals nominated for the award do not need to be affiliated with UT Martin athletics.
Is there a required format for nomination letters, and do I have to address all six award criteria?
No. There is no required format for nomination letters, and examples from all six criteria are not required. However, nominators should clearly explain how the nominee embodies the spirit and purpose of the award.
Do I need to have a conversation with someone before nominating them?
No. However, nominees will be informed of their nomination and provided with information regarding the next steps in the process.
How is the Pat Summitt Foundation involved?
The Pat Summitt Foundation is aware of the initiative, reviewed the information provided, and approved the Skyhawk Summitt Award.